Changes from 1 January 2020
The reduction in the rebate paid for MBS item 591 (urgent after-hours services conducted by non-vocationally registered doctors in a metropolitan setting) scheduled to be introduced on 1 January 2019 will be deferred 12 months. The rebate reduction will now take effect on 1 January 2020.
The geographic requirement for MBS item 588 has been amended to enable non-vocationally registered medical practitioners providing urgent after-hours services in Modified Monash 2 locations to provide services that attract the full MBS rebate of $129.80 for urgent after-hours attendances. Currently, non-vocationally registered medical practitioners in Modified Monash 2 locations use MBS item 591, which attracts a lower rebate of $100.
More information about urgent after-hours services conducted by non-vocationally registered doctors will be made available on MBS Online.